• 치위생과학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.154-168
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• 2023

Background: Legal regulations and fees have been established in Korea to provide visiting oral health care services to individuals with long-term care insurance (LTCI). However, beneficiaries of this service are very limited. Therefore, to improve the Korean system we propose a comparative analysis with the Japanese system. Methods: This study is a descriptive analysis based on secondary data, such as statistics, laws, and service record forms from Korea and Japan. The most recent institutional documents were obtained through a Google search. The variables investigated were financial resources of LTCI, co-payment structure, monthly limit of LTCI benefits, care levels of LTCI, service providers, service costs, contents of service, and the number of cases of service. Results: In both Korea and Japan, LTCI is financed through a combination of taxes and insurance premiums. However, the monthly limit for receiving LTCI services in Japan is about 2.4 times higher than in Korea. Visiting medical and dental treatment is also possible in Japan. Furthermore, nursing staff can provide daily oral health care services according to dental hygienists' instruction unlike Korea. Oral health care services in Korea are focused on oral hygiene and prevention of oral diseases, while Japan additionally provides oral function screening, patient education for oral health management, and training for nursing staff to enhance oral function, eating, and swallowing of the patients. Conclusion: We concluded that the possibility of visiting dental treatment, differences in monthly limit of LTCI benefits, oral function assessment and guidance, as well as collaboration with other healthcare professionals contributed to the difference in the frequency of utilization of visiting oral health care services between Korea and Japan.

• 중환자간호학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.15-27
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• 2023

Purpose : This study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality and its influencing factors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods : This descriptive correlational study included 130 patients with CAD admitted to the cardiology department of a general hospital in B City between September 2019 and February 2020. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and research instruments to measure sleep quality, anxiety, depression, chronotype, and daytime sleepiness. Results : The mean scores for sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and depression were 7.59±3.45, 6.45±3.46, 6.58±3.88, and 7.74±4.05, respectively. In terms of chronotypes, 10.8%, 48.5%, and 40.7% of the participants had evening-, intermediate-, and morning-type patterns, respectively. Sleep quality was significantly correlated with anxiety (r=0.38, p<.001), depression (r=.37, p<.001), and daytime sleepiness (r=.26, p =.002). Factors associated with sleep quality in patients with CAD included anxiety (β=.29), heart failure (β=.22), daytime sleepiness(β=.21), and sleeping alone (β=.19). Collectively, these factors had an explanatory power of 23.1% for sleep quality variance. Conclusion: Patients with CAD often experience poor sleep quality owing to various factors such as anxiety, daytime sleepiness, heart failure, and sleeping alone. It is recommended that healthcare providers objectively evaluate sleep and identify factors that influence sleep quality. This will enable the development of effective methods for sleep management as part of nursing care.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.273-280
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• 2023

Background: Intraoral local anesthesia is essential for delivering dental care; however, injection of this local anesthetic is perceived as the most painful and distressing agent for children, parents, and healthcare providers. Reducing pain as much as possible is essential to ensure smooth subsequent treatment procedures, especially in pediatric dentistry. In clinical practice, oral sucrose administration has been reported to decrease the pain during heel lance and cold pressor tests in neonates and children. This study aimed to determine whether the prior administration of a 30% sucrose solution reduced the pain related to inferior alveolar nerve block in children. Methods: A total of 42 healthy children aged 7-10 years requiring dental treatment of mandibular molars involving inferior alveolar nerve block were recruited. The participants' demographic details were recorded, height and weight were measured, and the anesthetic injection was delivered after receiving the respective intraoral sucrose solution and distilled water by the intervention (group 1) and control (group 2) group participants for 2 min. The subjective pain perceived during injection was measured using an animated emoji scale. The pain scores between the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The median pain score and range for the intervention and control groups were 4 (2 - 6) and 6 (4 - 8), respectively, and statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed in the intervention group. Age, sex, height, and weight did not influence the analgesic effect of the sucrose solution. Conclusion: Oral administration of sucrose may relieve pain associated with inferior alveolar nerve block in children.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.959-968
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Few studies have provided evidence of the association between diet quality and dental caries. This study aimed to examine the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in a Korean representative population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study population included a sample of 13,815 participants, aged ≥ 19 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2013-2015. The explanatory variable was diet quality and the outcome variable was untreated dental caries. Untreated dental caries were defined by the number of decayed teeth recorded according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization. Diet quality was defined by using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) through the 24-h recall methods. We assessed the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries while adjusting for age, sex, education, income, smoking status, dental visits, toothbrushing frequencies, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: The mean overall KHEI scores in the untreated dental caries group were significantly lower than those in the group without untreated dental caries. Significant differences were observed in the untreated dental caries group based on the KHEI quartiles (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the quartiles of KHEI scores showed an association with untreated dental caries, demonstrating a dose-effect trend (odds ratio [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.84 for 1st quartile; OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.19-1.59 for 2nd quartile; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.53 for 3rd quartile; reference quartile highest]). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated an inverse association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in Korean adults. Healthcare providers should take into account the significant role of diet quality in preventing and managing oral health.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.143-150
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical features of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study included patients with toxic alcohol poisoning who visited a regional emergency medical center. Patients with methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning from January 2004 to June 2023 were selected for the study using diagnostic codes. Results: Twenty-two patients with toxic alcohol poisoning visited during the study period, with 11 patients for each category. Compared to methanol poisoning, ethylene glycol poisoning patients were more likely to have consumed alcohol for suicidal purposes (n=4 [36.36%] vs. n=8 [72.73%]) and were more likely to be drowsy (n=0 vs. n=6 [54.55%], p=0.016). The anion gap (25.43±8.35 mmol/L vs. 13.22±6.23 mmol/L, p=0.001) and lactic acid levels (1.785 [1.3-2.785] mmol/L vs. 9.90 [4.20-11.81] mmol/L, p=0.007) were higher in ethylene glycol poisoning patients than in methanol poisoning patients. Among alcohol dehydrogenase blockers, oral ethanol was administered to 10 patients (45.45%) (n=4 [36.36%] vs. n=6 [54.55%]), and intravenous ethanol was administered to six patients (n=4 [36.36%] vs. n=2 [18.18%]). Fomepizole was administered to two patients (9.09%) each, and renal replacement therapy was non-significantly more common in patients with ethylene glycol poisoning (n=8 [72.73%] vs. n=3 [27.27%], p=0.128). Three patients had delays in diagnosis and treatment, and while there were no fatalities, one patient was left with permanent vision damage. Conclusion: Because these are uncommon types of poisoning and the clinical presentation is difficult to recognize early, healthcare providers should be familiar with toxic alcohol types and screen for them to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.41-50
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• 2024

Background: Recognizing the seriousness of the misuse and abuse of medical narcotics, the South Korean government introduced the world's first narcotic management system, the Narcotics Information Management System (NIMS). This study aimed to explore the recent one-year opioid prescribing patterns in South Korea using the NIMS database. Methods: This study analyzed opioid prescription records in South Korea for the year 2022, utilizing the dispensing/administration dataset provided by NIMS. Public data from the Korean Statistical Information Service were also utilized to explore prescription trends over the past four years. The examination covered 16 different opioid analgesics, assessed by the total number of units prescribed based on routes of administration, type of institutions, and patients' sex and age group. Additionally, the disposal rate for each ingredient was computed. Results: In total, 206,941 records of 87,792,968 opioid analgesic units were analyzed. Recently, the overall quantity of prescribed opioid analgesic units has remained relatively stable. The most prescribed ingredient was oral oxycodone, followed by tapentadol and sublingual fentanyl. Tertiary hospitals had the highest number of dispensed units (49.4%), followed by community pharmacies (40.2%). The highest number of prescribed units was attributed to male patients in their 60s. The disposal rates of the oral and transdermal formulations were less than 0.1%. Conclusions: Opioid prescription in South Korea features a high proportion of oral formulations, tertiary hospital administration, pharmacy dispensing, and elderly patients. Sustained education and surveillance of patients and healthcare providers is required.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.148-156
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• 2024

Objectives: Understanding patterns of quality of life in people who inject drugs (PWID) can help healthcare providers plan and manage their health problems in a more focused manner. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify patterns of health-related quality of life in PWID in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in southeast Iran on men who had injected drugs at least once during the last year. We used convenience sampling in 2 drop-in centers and venue-based sampling at 85 venues. Demographic characteristics, high-risk behaviors, and health-related quality of life were evaluated using the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify patterns of quality of life. Results: This study enrolled 398 PWID, who had a mean age of 34.1±11.4 years. About 47.9% reported a prison history in the last 10 years, 59.2% had injected drugs in the last month, and 31.6% had a history of sharing syringes. About 46.3% reported having 2 or more sexual partners in the last 6 months, and 14.7% had a history of sex with men. Out of the 5 EQ-5D-5L profiles, the fifth profile had the most people (36.6%). Most variations in quality of life were related to pain and discomfort. Conclusions: We showed that the pain and discomfort dimension of EQ-5D-5L had more variation in PWID. This finding will be useful for allocating appropriate interventions and resources to promote health-related quality of life in this population.

• 여성건강간호학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.192-202
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the significance and insights derived from the experiences of pregnant women in Korea who participated in online prenatal education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed the hermeneutic phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi. It involved 12 pregnant women who participated in online prenatal education provided by public health centers in Chuncheon, Korea. Data collection was achieved through in-depth interviews conducted in Korea from October 2021 to April 2022. Results: In total, 51 significant statements were extracted from the interview data and then categorized into 10 themes. Finally, three categories were formed by merging similar themes. The three basic categories of participants' experiences of online prenatal education were "feeling of safety and comfort in body and mind," "frustrated by a lack of interaction," and "digital education being a double-edged sword." Pregnant women expressed ambivalence regarding the benefits and drawbacks of the online educational experience. They desired more interactive and practical learning opportunities, even as they appreciated the comfort of learning remotely. Conclusion: This study revealed the phenomenon of online prenatal education as an advanced form of distance-based prenatal education instead of the traditional in-person classroom. To maximize the educational effectiveness of this new format, public health center policies must address the digital literacy gap and enhance accessibility by leveraging the immersive multimedia experiences that online education offers to pregnant women. We recommend that maternal healthcare providers adopt this innovative approach to prenatal education, utilizing distance education technology to improve participation and promote immersion.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.490-497
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• 2015

본 연구는 신체적 기능장애를 지닌 국가유공자의 삶의 질 수준을 확인하고 삶의 질에 영향을 미치는 관련 요인들을 알아보기 위하여 실시하였다. 연구대상자는 서울, 부산, 대구, 광주와 대전에 위치한 보훈병원에서 신체적 기능장애로 치료를 받고 있는 국가유공자 412명을 대상으로 하였다. 대상자의 삶의 질은 SF-36을 이용하여 평가하였고, 일상생활동작은 수정된 바델지수로, 통증수준은 4항목 시각적 상사척도로, 우울증 척도는 노인우울척도를 이용하여 평가하였다. 연구 결과, 삶의 질은 연령이 높을수록, 주관적 건강상태가 나쁠수록, 경제수준이 낮을수록, 와병기간이 길수록, 통증수준, 우울증 점수가 높을수록 유의하게 낮아지는 것으로 나타났다. 회귀분석 결과 삶의 질에 가장 크게 영향을 미치는 변수는 우울증(B=-.969)이었으며, 주관적 건강상태(B=-5.098), 일상생활동작 수행(B=.140), 통증수준(B=-.163) 순으로 나타났다. 따라서 본 연구의 결과는 신체적 기능장애를 지닌 국가유공자의 삶의 질 향상을 위해 심리적 접근 뿐 아니라 일상생활동작 수행정도 등 신체적 증상의 완화, 통증감소를 개선시킬 수 있는 의학적 중재 및 프로그램 개발의 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

• 감성과학
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.77-90
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• 2019

본 연구는 기본 욕구의 개인차에 따라 메시지에 담긴 행동을 추구하는 데 효과적인 메시지 제공자가 다른지 알아보고자 하였다. Haddock, Maio, Arnold, & Huskinson (2008)에 의하면, 감성 욕구(NFA)가 높은 사람은 정서 기반의 메시지에, 인지 욕구(NFC)가 높은 사람은 인지 기반의 메시지에 더 영향을 받았다. 본 연구는 이러한 기본 욕구의 개인차가 메시지뿐 아니라 메시지 제공자에까지 적용할 수 있으리라 생각했다. 예를 들면, 감성 욕구가 높은 사람은 전문가보다 의미 있는 타인에게 전달받은 메시지를 더 잘 수용할 수 있다. 이에 따라, 본 연구는 VR에서 개인별 건강 조언에 효과적인 메시지 제공자를 파악하고자, 개인의 욕구 (2: NFA, NFC), 메시지 제공자 (3: 전문가, 의미 있는 타인, 타인) 그리고 VR 착용 (2: Text, VR)에 따른 선호도와 일상생활 스트레스 관리에 대한 자기 효능감을 측정하였다. 실험결과, 예상과 달리, 기본 욕구와 메시지 제공자의 특성에 따른 일치 효과는 발견할 수 없었다. 그러나, 감성 욕구가 높은 집단이 VR 건강 조언에 더 적합하다는 경향을 파악할 수 있었다. 본 연구의 의의는 VR 환경에서 개인의 맞춤형 메시지 제공자를 파악하고자 한 데 있다. 또한, 본 연구는 초기 단계의 연구로 추후 VR 환경의 건강 조언 연구에 기여하리라 예상한다.